Sober living is especially difficult for those first beginning their new life after rehab. Addiction can destroy a life very quickly, but cleaning up the aftermath while attempting to stay sober is a challenge that many underestimate.

In rehab, you were finally able to get sober…

You also received the tools and training needed to stay sober.

That doesn’t make living sober easy. When you come home from rehab, you will be put to the test. The urge to relapse will come, and go… and come, and go. You may have the will and the confidence to battle temptation, but will you have the strength?

It’s important to have a realistic expectation of life after rehab. The first several months, you will be forced to face the consequences of your actions. Addiction often destroys relationships, and you will not always be able to repair or rebuild some of these relationships.

It is helpful if friends and family members participate in the family counseling at rehab, but you will still feel under a lot of pressure to reinstate trust in these relationships. FYI—it’s not easy to prove you can be trusted to somebody who just can not trust you.

Living sober is only made harder by stress, and you will be stressed when you return home from rehab. There is a lot of pressure on you, and you will feel frustrated…

But this will pass.

You will get through it, and ultimately become a stronger, healthier, and happier person. As long as you make every effort possible to stay sober, to actively live the sober life you deserve… you will get through it.

One important rule is…

You Shouldn’t Start Living Sober Without Ongoing Support!!!

In fact, there are many options available to choose from. You should speak to your counselor about sober living programs in your area, and ask for help deciding on the best option that will meet each of your unique and individual needs.

Support is only useful if it helps you to become self sufficient, so you should never choose a program that provides more restriction than you need. For most individuals ready to live sober after rehab… a sober coach is the best option. With sober coaching, you will have access to support whenever you need it, appointments to ensure you are staying sober, and (more importantly) complete freedom to make your own choices.

A more intense sober living option, for those who need to live at home but are not ready to stay sober without a high level of support and restriction, is sober companionship. A sober companion can be by your side as often as needed, for travel or for round the clock guidance.

Or, for some, a recovery home is necessary. Extending a residential recovery program helps because living sober becomes easier the longer you stay sober. Most recovery homes also offer additional services, such as career training and job placement, that will ensure you are able to live a more productive and healthier lifestyle.